Police: Man tries to steal gas, burns 3 antique cars, garage

BLOOMINGBURG — Troopers say a Bloomingburg man was stealing gas when he set a garage and three antique cars on fire Saturday night on Mountain Road.

Troopers were called to investigate about 8 p.m. after the fire burned up the garage and cars. Francis Reisert, 33, who also lives on Mountain Road, was charged the next day.

Troopers say he was drilling holes in the gas tanks, and the gas cans overflowed on the floor. Reisert continued to drill, sparking the gas on the floor, police said. His two preteen daughters were in the garage with him when the fire started.

Reisert was charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief, auto stripping, petty larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. He was booked on the charges and released.

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